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An active temperament and phenomenal endurance are the “calling cards” of a pit bull. Playing with a port, running and other similar entertainments does not tire him at all. Physical activity has a positiveeffect not only on the development of the dog, but also becomes the key to its mental health.
Pete needs constant attention from the owner. If you are a busy person, constantly immersed in work, then a dog of this breed will not suit you.
The socialization of an animal is an important component of its upbringing. You should develop communicative qualities in it from an early age. Without this, it will be difficult to overcome the natural stubbornness of the pit bull terrier, it can become difficult to control, which, combined with strength, is not good.
American Pit Bulls can be aggressive towards other dogs. To avoid excesses, walk your pet on a leash. Having got involved in a fight, it is difficult for a pit bull terrier to stop, and he fights to the end. Socialization, although it will not negate this aggressiveness, will help to manage the "emotions" of the fighting dog.
The legislation of many states, in particular the European Union, prohibits the breeding of this breed, in some countries it is regarded as a cold weapon. When traveling with a pit bull, make sure to check to make sure that it is not persona non grata where you are going.
Pit bull terriers love to chew. To prevent damage to the furniture in the house, buy sturdy toys for your pet, and the more, the better.
The fighting spirit of this "American" must be constantly reined in, so its owner must be a person with a strong character in order to be able to train the dog and further maintain discipline in it. However, you should not go too far either, excessive rigidity can only harm.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a versatile breed. It combines the seemingly incongruous: fighting qualities and poise, wisdom and childish playfulness. Pit bull is loyal to his master and never demonstrates his superiority over him. The breed has established itself as an ideal guard for humans. Its representatives look harsh: the first thing that catches your eye is the unusual shape of the head, wide cheekbones, a strong "bullish" neck, wide chest and well-developed muscles. Public opinion in different countries has developed not in favor of the pit bull, he is considered aggressive, and he sometimes causes fear in others by his appearance. In fact, the character of this dog is calm and friendly. Aggressiveness can develop only after a long stay in a small confined space.
History of the Pit Bull breed
Pit bull with cropped ears
The word "American" in the breed's name gives the mistaken impression that the Pit Bull Terrier was born in the United States. In fact, the first pit bulls came to the Western Hemisphere from Britain. Their appearance was the result of crossing an Old English Terrier and an Old English Bulldog. The breeders of that time set themselves the task of combining in the "new" dog the speed, fearlessness and strength of the former and the athleticism of the latter. As you can see, they did it very well.
In Foggy Albion, pit bulls were used in dog fights, set on bears and bulls. In 1835, when laws on the protection of animals began to appear, these four-legged fighters with bulls and bears were no longer bumped into their heads. Since dog fights were not directly prohibited by law (besides, they were cheaper), the breed de facto remained widely involved in them. Animal advocates considered such competitions openly "barbaric", a mockery of our smaller brothers. However, one cannot but admit the fact that, in addition to a good income for the organizers, these fights gave a lot to the breed itself, identifying its best representatives. The practice of illegal dog fighting continues to this day, and not only in America, but also in Russia.
It is regrettable that, according to information from human rights organizations, the criminal world uses the unique advantages of the breed. Pit bulls are used in drug trafficking, in confrontation with the police and as fighting dogs. Poor animals, devoted to their masters, of course, do not even suspect in what dark deeds they have to participate. And although they are not guilty of anything (the dog cannot, as a person, think and deliberately leave the owner-criminal), such "activity" has earned the breed a bad reputation. In an attempt to get rid of it, the San Francisco Animal Welfare Society (USA) renamed the American Pit Bull Terrier “St. Francis Terriers ". The organization set a task to distribute dogs to individuals. After 60 individuals found a new family, the resettlement program was curtailed. The reason was that several pit bulls were killed at the place of residence of domestic cats. The new name - "New Yorkies" - was given to the breed in the New York Center for Animal Care and Control, which also decided to distribute pit bulls to families. But after negative responses, the program was curtailed without even starting.
Many countries around the world - France, Sweden, Spain, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Ecuador, US Associated Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Portugal, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Switzerland and Poland - have passed laws regulating breed control. In some states it is completely banned, in others the ability to own a pit bull terrier is strictly limited. So, this breed along with three others is prohibited in the UK. Pit bulls are persona non grata in some American states.
AMERICAN POOL TERRIER
Brief description of the breed
The American Pit Bull Terrier, abbreviated as Pitbull, is a medium-sized American dog that belongs to one of the varieties of pit bulls. This breed is often compared to the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The growth of a pit bull is from 45 to 60 centimeters, and the weight can vary from 15 to 30 kilograms. Dogs of this breed are muscular and have a knocked down physique. For its size, the pit bull is very strong. The wedge-shaped head is large enough, but not massive, and is quite symmetrical to the rest of the body. There are small folds on the dog's forehead. The coat of these dogs is short. As for the color, it can be anything. Pit bulls come in one color and several colors. Just like the color, the color of the eyes may be different, but just there are no blue-eyed pit bulls. The short tail of the dog is tapered.
The American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to companion dogs and family dogs. Initially, this breed was bred as a kind of "bait" for bulls. Later these dogs began to be bred to participate in battles, and even later, pit bull terriers became family dogs. By the way, these dogs, despite their character, get along well with children.
Perseverance of pit bulls, their courage and activity, make them excellent athletes, as well as unsurpassed pets that successfully cope with tasks for agility and obedience.
The American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the so-called "bully dogs". It is worth noting that the "Pit Bull" is not a breed, but simply a designation to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, some people tend to think that all these species are exactly the same dogs. Actually this is not true. The confusion itself began in 1930, when the American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed, but not the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Today there is a stereotype that the Pit Bull Terrier is a dangerous dog. It was all the fault of the fact that the animals were bred specifically to participate in dog fights, so they developed an appropriate character. We will not, of course, hide the fact that in recent years there have been many cases of aggression by pit bulls.
In fact, the circumstances are such that most cases of aggression of dogs of this breed are isolated. Such situations are widely covered in the media, but these cases, as already noted, are isolated. Thus, the stereotype of a dangerous dog was formed due to the negligent attitude of people to information about cases of aggression.
Every pit bull owner should know that he can face distrust and even anger of people towards you as the owner of a "dangerous" dog. Disinformation is to blame. This breed is not for everyone, especially not for those who are not ready to spend their time on decent upbringing or cannot provide consistent, clear training.
With sufficient socialization and qualified training, Pit Bull Terriers make excellent companion dogs that get along well with children. They love to be with people and are gentle with them. Dogs of this breed often love to meet and wait for their owner at the door. American pit bulls are loyal and loyal to their family. If necessary, they will always come to the aid of their owner and family members.
Pit bull puppies are very smart. They are easy to train and are happy to carry out various commands. Pit bulls love to participate in all family activities. Even in adulthood, pit bulls can behave like puppies, but this behavior is manifested only in the native environment. Having bought a puppy of this breed, you will wonder how before you could live without a pit bull.
Origin story
Pit bulls were bred in the early 19th century in England to participate in the then popular bull and bear baiting. But these sports in 1835 were declared inhumane and cruel and were banned. In their place came dog fights. Consequently, aggression was deliberately cultivated in dogs, which was subsequently preserved at the genetic level. But these dogs also have another genetic trait - unwillingness to bite people. Later, breeders began to work to make the behavior of the dog in the ring and in the family different. As a result, the breed began to gain popularity and began to join families, showing its best qualities.
When the pit bull came to the American continent, it became especially in demand on farms. The animals did an excellent job of hunting game, they guarded property and were simply unrivaled companions. In America, breeders began working to increase the size of this breed. As a result, the pit bull in the United States has become much larger than its counterparts in England.
In 1898, the British Kennel Club (analogous to the American Club) named this breed the American Pit Bull Terrier. But the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in the early 1930s, but under a new name. Intending to separate the breed from its fighting dog ancestors, the club decided to name the breed the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Since then, the American Staffordshire Terrier began to appear officially at various shows, while it was impossible to meet the American Pit Bull Terrier at official events.
Pit bull character
Aggression is very common among pit bulls. The fighting character is still present in many of this breed. Aggression can occur even when the dog is brought up from childhood with cats or other dogs. Such a nasty character suggests that when walking with a pet, you need to show maximum attention and not leave the animal unattended. If you notice that other dogs are paying attention to your pet, or vice versa, then you should immediately take him away from the site. Of course, the pit bull should always be on a reliable leash, and the yard in which the pet will live and spend time there must be securely fenced off.
From birth, pit bull terriers bear the mark of a fighting dog. It's all to blame for the news and reports in the newspapers about the aggression of some representatives of this breed. In many Western countries, pit bull shelters are overcrowded, and in some even their breeding is prohibited. The very name of the breed instills fear in some people. In most cases, such fears are unfounded. Pit bulls are very well mannered if they live in a loving family. They are loyal and reliable, they are excellent companion dogs. They love to be close to people and want to be among their family, to take part in her life. Any activities, be it a walk in the woods, a picnic or just a gathering in the yard, must be carried out with the pet. If a pit bull feels loved and cared for, he will respond in kind.
Maintenance and care
Caring for a pit bull is a snap. They just need to be bathed as needed, combed weekly, and wiped with a damp cloth from time to time. This will be enough to keep the coat healthy and beautiful.
The ears of the American Pit Bull Terrier should be checked regularly for signs of contamination, irritation, and infection. They clean the auricles with a special tampon and a remedy prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you should never use a cotton swab to clean the ear canal.
It is also necessary to brush the pit bull's teeth weekly. This will prevent the formation of tartar, strengthen the gums and prevent the formation of bad breath from the mouth. The claws are trimmed once a month, unless, of course, the dog grinds them down.
Training and education
The training process for the American Pit Bull Terrier should be started at an early age. Pit bull training should be done in a calm, non-aggressive manner. The training should not involve very long sessions, but the intervals between them should also be short. Otherwise, the pet will quickly get bored with everything, even if you offer treats.
During the training of dogs of this breed, you must be patient, as the process can be delayed. Even well-trained Pit Bull Terriers can behave spoiled over time, checking in this way what they can and cannot do. In such situations, it is necessary to behave calmly, but make the dog understand that this should not be done.
If there are children in the family, the puppy should start communicating with them from the first day it appears in the house. It is noteworthy that, despite the fact that pit bulls, as a rule, get along well with children in the family, they can show distrust and even aggression towards other people's children. That is why during the period of socialization of the American Pit Bull Terrier it is necessary to teach the dog to understand that all children need to be well treated.
Health and disease
The average lifespan of an American Pit Bull Terrier is 10-15 years. Major health problems include: actinic keratosis (solar keratosis), allergies, bloating, cancer, cataracts, congenital heart defects (particularly subaortic stenosis), ruptured ligaments, cutaneous hemangiomas, cutaneous histiocytoma, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and disease Willebrand.
Some interesting facts
The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best choice for people who don't have a lot of free time.
Dogs of this breed must be trained and socialized at an early age. This is necessary in order to prevent the manifestation of stubbornness and aggression in the character, with which, in view of the strength of this dog, it is not easy to fight.
During walks, the pit bull should be on a leash. In no case should you go out into public places without a leash, otherwise you risk that the dog will start a real fight with its relatives.
If the American Pit Bull Terrier is not socialized properly at puppyhood, then its owner runs the risk of not getting a companion dog, but an aggressive pet.
If you decide to travel with a Pit Bull, make sure that the importation of dogs of this breed is not prohibited.
American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to chewing. Buy enough chew toys to prevent damage to furniture or decor that your dog might chew on.
Pit bulls are best for those who have a lot of free time and a lot of desire and patience to raise a pet.
